SA Rugby has confirmed that the South African franchises will play their local derbies in next year’s Super Rugby in kits inspired by Marvel superheroes.

The move is part of a collaboration between SA Rugby, SuperSport, Vodacom and Marvel and an attempt to raise interest levels from fans.

The Bulls kit will be emblazoned with the colours of Captain America, the Lions will channel their inner Spiderman, the Sharks’ kit will be inspired by the Black Panther and the Stormers will be wearing Thor’s colours. The kit designs will be revealed at a later stage.

SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux said this is one of the most exciting developments to the local Super Rugby scene in many years.

‘Super Rugby has always been about entertainment and providing supporters with something new, and in 2019 we will definitely achieve that with this exciting endeavour with Marvel,’ Roux said.

‘The global rugby landscape is changing and teams across all continents are trying new things to further raise the interest of fans. We envisage reaching new audiences and gaining new supporters for our franchises and the game as a whole in South Africa.’